The garage is often forgotten and ignored in most homes, left to slowly decay.
While your garage is low-maintenance, it is by no means no-maintenance. It does not take much to ensure that your garage stays in tip-top shape. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. So how can you better preserve your garage?
This article from HouseLogic.com explains. It provides 5 tips for maintaining your garage.
- Keep your garage door running smoothly: You need to annually oil older garage doors. While most newer doors come self-lubricated or with plastic parts that need no oil, older doors, with their metal rollers, hinges and tracks, require annual care. You should also remember to check the rubber seal on the bottom of your garage door. It can slowly deteriorate over time, allowing the elements to seep under your door. Replacing the seal costs less than $100. It is also a good idea to regularly check the garage door sensors to make sure they will stop the door from closing if something is in the way.
- Clean your garage floor: You should annually hose down your garage floor to prevent slip hazards, stains and pockmarks caused byu road salts and auto fluids. If your floor has a crack, you can try a do-it-yourself patch with a $5 concrete mix from your local hardware store. But patched concrete often doesn’t adhere to the original slab. If this is the case, consult a licensed concrete contractor. Replacing the slab should cost about $5 per square foot.
- Monitor your garage walls and foundation: Inspect your interior and exterior walls, as well as your foundation, at least twice a year for moisture and cracks. If you find any problems, consult a professional contractor as soon as possible.
- Clean interior doors and gutters: Clean and inspect the interior door once a year and make sure it is properly weatherstripped and that the threshold seal fits snuggly against the bottom of the door.
If your garage has gutters, clean them every spring and fall and inspect them for damage. - Watch for pest invasions: Termits and carpenter ants can wreak havoc on your garage walls. Inspect dark, cool, and moist spots, especially where garage walls meet the foundation, for borings from carpenter ants or termites.
If you follow these simple steps, you can ensure that your garage remains in tip-top shape for a very long time.
If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!
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